Some of the factors that could make the foregoing incorrect, particularly in various combinations, include, the particular gear involved, the terrain (including if water), the strength of the wind, gustiness and especially shiftiness as well as factors related to the specific student.bnthere wrote:a fundamental aspect of kite instruction is imparting the concept and fact that a kite can be put down at the side of the wind and left alone, with the bar untouched, and that that is the safest and most predicable place for a "flying kite" to be. that is something that anyone that knows anything about giving someone good advise about how not to hurt themselves with a kite knows to emphasize to their clients. you can always put a kite down and let it sit on its wingtip, and not "multitask" with a kite in the air. aka, a kite on its wingtip on the ground (or the water), is the best place for a kite when: transferring, picking up a board, putting on a board, adjusting a harness, adjusting a helmet, anything. especially for an inexperienced kite flyer. obviously these things can be done easily with the kite in the air by experienced flyer, but the fact remains there is less skill required, and less stress, less difficulty, and less risk when a kite is touched down.
I have personally done this over 1,000 times and although some were not as safe as others and a few represented an error of judgment where the risk wasn’t justified, the particular equipment used in combination with various other factors (including things like lesson efficiency), otherwise made it reasonably safe and perfectly feasible.BWD wrote:Ok then the point:
It is not safe to hand off a kite in the air to an inexperienced kiter.
Ever................!
Incidentally, regarding many, if not most, safety issues, the particular equipment involved may be an extremely important factor - as in the particular safety issue under discussion.Lubo wrote:Do you guys mind staying on topic. This is a safety issue not a gear discution
why am i not surprised,I have personally done this over 10,000 times
No kidding, which ones, like 9999 of them?and although some were not as safe as others and a few represented an error of judgment where the risk wasn’t justified,
Interesting point about mastering kite skills before passing a kite 'in flight'. I've seen it work fine with some people...starting them from the edge. I've also seen them go instantly windshield wiper up and over the other side....and back again....etc. So while I agree that it's often the safest place to hand over a kite the student might not have the skills to launch a kite under control and keep it in a stable, benign, flight overhead. Yes...they should spend more time on the beach with the trainer kite then....and yes the instructor should be 'on the spot' to make sure they're doing the right stuff but it is always a step up to 'the big kites' regardless. So...starting them 'at the top' where the kite is flying in a stable manner can be the lesser evil. They should then learn to fly it to the water and back up again....BWD wrote:Advice to newbies:
I would not trust an instructor that would pass you a full size flying kite for which you had not MASTERED the steering, sheeting, safety release, launch and landing, especially if the kite is overhead. Wingtip on water is safer, preferably with someone holding the LE.
Instructors that pass a new student a flying kite, especially near shore or obstacles, are demonstrating a CASUAL attitude toward your safety.
If you feel the least bit uncomfortable with the situation,
DO NOT LET THEM PASS YOU THE KITE.
Even with undersized bow kites in light wind, it's not really safe.
Just my opinion, feel free to spin the wheel of fate.
Might want to carry good insurance though....
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